The Right’s Nick Fuentes Problem and Tucker Carlson’s Role
Ben Shapiro’s latest podcast episode titled “Tucker Carlson Sabotages America” takes a firm stance rarely seen among right-wing commentators. Shapiro harshly criticizes Carlson, calling him a “super spreader of vile ideas … coward … terrible friend … and master of gaslighting.”
Shapiro’s Moral Red Line
In his Monday monologue, Shapiro boldly names names and draws a clear moral boundary. He claims a small but vocal faction of white identitarians centered around Nick Fuentes is intentionally fracturing the American Right. This faction is being normalized and brought into the mainstream through Tucker Carlson’s platform, and surprisingly, supported by institutions like the Heritage Foundation.
Clarifying the Issue
Shapiro clarifies that the conflict is not about free speech or cancellation. Fuentes has the legal right to speak, and Carlson has the right to interview him. Despite finding Fuentes “odious and despicable,” Shapiro opposes de-platforming him. He explains that free speech means freedom from government oppression, not entitlement to amplification by major conservative media.
The Core Debate
“Free speech, properly understood, is freedom from government coercion — not a right to be promoted, signal-boosted, and flattered by major conservative platforms.”
Ultimately, Shapiro frames the struggle as a fight to draw moral lines within conservatism rather than a defense of unrestricted speech.
Author’s Summary
This critique highlights how Nick Fuentes’ faction is shifting the American Right’s boundaries, with Tucker Carlson playing a key role in normalizing extremist views.